Apparatus and method for detecting improper positioning of removable component of sterilizing system

ABSTRACT

A sterilization system includes a sterilization chamber, a processor, and a sterilization module. The sterilization module includes a frame assembly, an extraction assembly, and a carriage assembly. The extraction assembly is configured to extract a sterilant fluid from a cartridge and transfer the sterilant fluid to the sterilization chamber. The carriage assembly includes a motor, a carriage body, and a translating flag. The carriage body is configured to receive the cartridge. The translating flag is configured to move from a first position to a second position relative to the carriage body in response to the carriage body receiving the cartridge. The sensor is configured to detect movement of the translating flag from the first position to the second position.

BACKGROUND

Re-usable medical devices such as certain surgical instruments,endoscopes, etc., may be sterilized before re-use in order to minimizethe likelihood that a contaminated device might be used on a patient,which could cause an infection in the patient. Various sterilizationtechniques may be employed, such as steam, hydrogen peroxide, peraceticacid, and vapor phase sterilization, either with or without a gas plasmaand ethylene oxide (EtO). Each of these methods may depend to a certainextent on the diffusion rates of the sterilization fluids (e.g., gases)upon or into the medical devices to be sterilized.

Before sterilization, medical devices may be packaged within containersor pouches having a semi-permeable barrier that allows transmission ofthe sterilizing fluid—sometimes referred to as a sterilant—but preventsadmission of contaminating organisms, particularly post-sterilizationand until the package is opened by medical personnel. For thesterilization cycle to be efficacious, the contaminating organismswithin the package must be killed because any organisms that survive thesterilization cycle could multiply and re-contaminate the medicaldevice. Diffusion of the sterilant may be particularly problematic formedical devices that have diffusion-restricted spaces therein becausethese diffusion-restricted spaces may reduce the likelihood that asterilization cycle may be effective. For example, some endoscopes haveone or more long narrow lumens into which the sterilant must diffuse insufficient concentration for sufficient time to achieve a successfulsterilization cycle.

Sterilization of medical devices may be performed with an automatedsterilization system such as a STERRAD® System by Advanced SterilizationProducts of Irvine, Calif. Examples of automated sterilization systemsare described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,939,519, entitled “Power System forSterilization Systems Employing Low Frequency Plasma,” issued Sep. 6,2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S.Pat. No. 6,852,279, entitled “Sterilization with Temperature-ControlledDiffusion Path,” issued Feb. 8, 2005, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 6,852,277, entitled“Sterilization System Employing a Switching Module Adapter to Pulsatethe Low Frequency Power Applied to a Plasma,” issued Feb. 8, 2005, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No.6,447,719, entitled “Power System for Sterilization Systems EmployingLow Frequency Plasma,” issued Sep. 10, 2002, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein; and U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No.62/316,722, entitled “System and Method for Sterilizing MedicalDevices,” filed Apr. 1, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein.

Some sterilization systems may use vaporized chemical sterilants orchemical gas such as hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, ozone, chlorinedioxide, nitrogen dioxide, etc., to sterilize medical devices. Examplesof such systems are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,102, entitled“Method of Enhanced Sterilization with Improved Material Compatibility,”issued Apr. 2, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,972, entitled “Apparatus andProcess for Concentrating a Liquid Sterilant and Sterilizing ArticlesTherewith,” issued Dec. 4, 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporatedby reference herein. Some such systems provide a hydrogen peroxide/gasplasma sterilization system comprising a vacuum chamber and plasmasource and increased concentration of hydrogen peroxide forsterilization. Some such systems may have difficulty sterilizing lumensof some medical devices if their length exceeds a certain value; or theprocessing time of such systems may still not be fast enough for someapplications. Thus, some medical devices such as long and/or narrowflexible endoscopes may not be completely sterilized by these systemsdue to the insufficient reach of sterilant vapor to the inside of thechannels. Such medical devices might therefore only be disinfectedwithout being sterilized. Sterilization systems that use ethylene oxidemay have a relatively long processing time (e.g., longer than 24 hours),which may be undesirable in some cases.

Operator error may result in medical devices that are erroneouslybelieved to be decontaminated being returned to service. Confirming thata sterilization cycle has been efficacious may help medical personnelavoid using a contaminated medical device on a patient. The sterilizedmedical device might not itself be checked for contaminating organismsbecause such an activity may introduce other contaminating organisms tothe medical device, thereby re-contaminating it. Thus, an indirect checkmay be performed using a sterilization indicator. A sterilizationindicator is a device that may be placed alongside or in proximity to amedical device being subject to a sterilization cycle, such that thesterilization indicator is subject to the same sterilization cycle asthe medical device. For instance, a biological indictor having apredetermined quantity of microorganisms may be placed into asterilization chamber alongside a medical device and subject to asterilization cycle. After the cycle is complete, the microorganisms inthe biological indicator may be cultured to determine whether any of themicroorganisms survived the cycle. The presence or absence of livingmicroorganisms in the biological indicator will indicate whether thesterilization cycle was effective.

While a variety of systems and methods have been made and used forsurgical instrument sterilization, it is believed that no one prior tothe inventor(s) has made or used the technology as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It is believed the present invention will be better understood from thefollowing description of certain examples taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify thesame elements and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of an exemplary medical devicesterilizing cabinet;

FIG. 2 depicts a high level flowchart of an exemplary set of steps thatthe sterilizing cabinet of FIG. 1 could perform to sterilize a medicaldevice;

FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary set of steps that may becarried out as part of a sterilization cycle within the set of steps ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge that may bereadily used in the sterilizing cabinet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge processingassembly that may be readily incorporated into the sterilizing cabinetof FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 depicts an exploded perspective view of the cartridge processingassembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary sensor assembly of thecartridge processing assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary carriage assembly ofthe cartridge processing assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 depicts another perspective view of the carriage assembly ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of a distal portion of the carriageassembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 depicts an exploded perspective view of the distal portion ofthe carriage assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of a translating flag of the carriageassembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 depicts another perspective view of the translating flag of FIG.13;

FIG. 15A depicts a perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 4 alignedwith the carriage assembly of FIG. 9 in preparation for insertion of thecartridge into the cartridge processing assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 15B depicts a perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 4 partiallyinserted into the carriage assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 15C depicts a perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 4 furtherinserted into the carriage assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 15D depicts a perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 4 and thecarriage assembly of FIG. 9 unitarily translating within the cartridgeprocessing assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 16A depicts a perspective view of an exemplary sterilant extractionassembly of the cartridge processing assembly of FIG. 6 aligned relativeto the cartridge of FIG. 4;

FIG. 16B depicts a perspective view of the sterilant extraction assemblyof FIG. 16A actuated toward the cartridge of FIG. 4 in order to extractsterilant from the cartridge;

FIG. 17A depicts a side elevational view of the carriage assembly ofFIG. 9 in a cartridge receiving position within the cartridge processingassembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 17B depicts a side elevational view of the carriage assembly ofFIG. 9 in the cartridge receiving position within the cartridgeprocessing assembly of FIG. 6, where the cartridge of FIG. 4 ispartially inserted into the carriage assembly;

FIG. 17C depicts a side elevational view of the carriage assembly ofFIG. 9 in the cartridge receiving position within the cartridgeprocessing assembly of FIG. 6, where the cartridge of FIG. 4 is furtherinserted into the carriage assembly;

FIG. 17D depicts a side elevational view of the carriage assembly ofFIG. 9 and the cartridge of FIG. 4 actuated distally within the carriageprocessing assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 18A depicts a cross-sectional view of the carriage assembly of FIG.9 in the cartridge receiving position within the cartridge processingassembly of FIG. 6, where the cartridge of FIG. 4 is partially insertedinto the carriage assembly, taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 18B depicts a cross-sectional view of the carriage assembly of FIG.9 in the cartridge receiving position within the cartridge processingassembly of FIG. 6, where the cartridge of FIG. 4 is further insertedinto the carriage assembly, taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 18C depicts a cross-sectional view of the carriage assembly of FIG.9 and the cartridge of FIG. 4 actuated distally within the carriageprocessing assembly of FIG. 6, taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 18D depicts a cross-sectional view of the carriage assembly of FIG.9 and the cartridge of FIG. 4 actuated further distally within thecarriage processing assembly of FIG. 6, taken along line 18-18 of FIG.8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of certain examples of the technology shouldnot be used to limit its scope. Other examples, features, aspects,embodiments, and advantages of the technology will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from the following description, which is by wayof illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out thetechnology. As will be realized, the technology described herein iscapable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departingfrom the technology. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions shouldbe regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

It is further understood that any one or more of the teachings,expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may becombined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions,embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. Thefollowing-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc.should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other.Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined willbe readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the claims.

I. Overview of Exemplary Sterilization System

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary sterilizing cabinet (150) that is operableto sterilize medical devices such as endoscopes, etc. Sterilizingcabinet (150) of the present example includes a sterilization chamber(152), which is configured to receive one or more medical devices forsterilization. In some other versions (e.g., as described furtherbelow), sterilizing cabinet (150) may include more than onesterilization chamber (152). While not shown, sterilizing cabinet (150)also includes a door that opens and closes sterilization chamber (152)in response to actuation of a kick plate. An operator may thereby openand close sterilization chamber (152) in a hands-free fashion. Ofcourse, any other suitable features may be used to provide selectiveaccess to sterilization chamber. Sterilizing cabinet (150) also includesa sterilization module (156) that is operable to dispense a sterilantinto sterilization chamber (152) in order to sterilize medical devicescontained in sterilization chamber (152). In the present example,sterilization module (156) is configured to receive replaceablesterilant cartridges (158) containing a certain amount of sterilant. Byway of example only, each sterilant cartridge (158) may contain enoughsterilant to perform five sterilization procedures.

In the present example, sterilization module (156) is operable to applya sterilant in the form of a vapor within sterilization chamber (152).By way of example only, sterilization module (156) may comprise acombination of a vaporizer and a condenser. The vaporizer may include achamber that receives a particular concentration of sterilant solution(e.g., a liquid hydrogen peroxide solution with a concentration of about59% nominal, or between about 53% and about 59.6%); where the sterilantsolution changes phase from liquid to vapor. The condenser may providecondensation of the sterilant solution vapor, and the concentration ofthe sterilant solution may be thereby increased (e.g., from about 59%nominal to somewhere between about 83% nominal and about 95% nominal),by removal of water vapor. Alternatively, any other suitable methods andcomponents may be used to apply sterilant in the form of a vapor withinsterilization chamber (152). It should also be understood thatcondensation within sterilization chamber (152) may serve as a potentialreservoir of sterilant that could be tapped by manipulation ofconditions in a sterilization chamber (152) to re-vaporize thecondensation.

In some examples, to supplement the application of the sterilant in theform of a vapor, the sterilant may also be applied to the inside oflumen(s) and/or other internal spaces within the medical device and/orthe outside of the medical device, before the medical device is placedin sterilization chamber (152). By way of example only, sterilant may beapplied in liquid form to the inside of lumen(s) and/or other internalspaces within the medical device and/or the outside of the medicaldevice. As another merely illustrative example, a capsule that containsliquid sterilant may be placed in fluid communication with the lumen(s)after activation of sterilization cabinet (150). In versions where asterilant is applied to the inside of lumen(s) and/or other internalspaces within the medical device and/or the outside of the medicaldevice, before the medical device is placed in sterilization chamber(152), the sterilant may evaporate while a vacuum is applied tosterilization chamber (152) (e.g., as described in greater detail belowwith reference to block 310 of FIG. 3) and even after vacuum is applied;and provide more concentration of sterilant to the areas of the medicaldevice with less penetration range, thereby further promoting effectivesterilization.

Sterilizing cabinet (150) of the present example further includes atouch screen display (160). Touch screen display (160) is operable torender the various user interface display screens, such as thosedescribed in U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 62/316,722, the disclosureof which is incorporated by reference herein. Of course, touch screendisplay (160) may display various other screens as well. Touch screendisplay (160) is further configured to receive user input in the form ofthe user contacting touch screen display (160) in accordance withconventional touch screen technology. In addition, or in thealternative, sterilizing cabinet (150) may include various other kindsof user input features, including but not limited to buttons, keypads,keyboards, a mouse, a trackball, etc.

Sterilizing cabinet (150) of the present example further includes aprocessor (162), which is in communication with sterilization module(156) and with touch screen display (160). Processor (162) is operableto execute control algorithms to drive sterilization module (156) inaccordance with user input. Processor (162) is further operable toexecute instructions to display the various screens on touch screendisplay (160); and to process instructions received from a user viatouch screen display (160) (and/or via other user input features).Processor (162) is also in communication with various other componentsof sterilization cabinet (150) and is thereby operable to drive thosecomponents and/or process input and/or other data from those components.Various suitable components and configurations that may be used to formprocessor (162) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artin view of the teachings herein.

Sterilizing cabinet (150) of the present example further includes anidentification tag reader (166), which is operable to read anidentification tag of a biological indicator as described herein. By wayof example only, identification tag reader (166) may comprise an opticalreader that is operable to read an optical identification tag (e.g.,barcode, QR code, etc.) of a biological indicator. In addition, or inthe alternative, identification tag reader (166) may comprise RFIDreader that is operable to read an RFID identification tag of abiological indicator. Various suitable components and configurationsthat may be used to form identification tag reader (166) will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachingsherein. Data received through identification tag reader (166) isprocessed through processor (162). Such data may indicate the contentsof the biological indicator, the source of the biological indicator,other identifying information associated with the biological indicator,and/or various other kinds of information as will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art.

Sterilizing cabinet (150) of the present example further includes amemory (168), which is operable to store control logic and instructionsand that are executed by processor (162) to drive components such assterilization module (156), touch screen display (160), communicationmodule (154), and identification tag reader (166). Memory (168) may alsobe used to store results associated with setup of a sterilization cycle,performance of a load conditioning cycle, performance of a sterilizationcycle, and/or various other kinds of information. Various suitable formsthat memory (168) may take, as well as various ways in which memory(168) may be used, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart in view of the teachings herein.

Sterilizing cabinet (150) of the present example further includes aprinter (170), which is operable to print information such as resultsassociated with setup of a sterilization cycle, performance of a loadconditioning cycle, performance of a sterilization cycle, and/or variousother kinds of information. By way of example only, printer (170) maycomprise a thermal printer, though of course any other suitable kind ofprinter may be used. Various suitable forms that printer (170) may take,as well as various ways in which printer (170) may be used, will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachingsherein. It should also be understood that printer (170) is merelyoptional and may be omitted in some versions.

Sterilizing cabinet (150) of the present example further includes avacuum source (180) and a venting valve (182). Vacuum source (180) is influid communication with sterilization chamber (152) and is also incommunication with processor (162). Thus, processor (162) is operable toselectively activate vacuum source (180) in accordance with one or morecontrol algorithms. When vacuum source (180) is activated, vacuum source(180) is operable to reduce the pressure within sterilization chamber(152) as will be described in greater detail below. Venting valve (182)is also in fluid communication with sterilization chamber (152). Inaddition, venting valve (182) is in communication with processor (162)such that processor (162) is operable to selectively activate ventingvalve (182) in accordance with one or more control algorithms. Whenventing valve (182) is activated, venting valve (182) is operable tovent sterilization chamber (152) to atmosphere as will be described ingreater detail below. Various suitable components that may be used toprovide vacuum source (180) and venting valve (182) will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

In addition to the foregoing, sterilizing cabinet (150) may beconfigured and operable in accordance with at least some of theteachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,939,519, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 6,852,279, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No.6,852,277, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein;U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,719, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,102, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,972, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; and/or U.S.Provisional Patent App. No. 62/316,722, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein.

II. Overview of Exemplary Sterilization Process

FIG. 2 depicts a high level flowchart of an exemplary set of steps thatsterilizing cabinet (150) could perform to sterilize a used medicaldevice, such as an endoscope. Sterilizing cabinet (150) may beconfigured to perform one or more sterilization cycles, with differentsterilization cycles being appropriate for different types andquantities of medical devices. Thus, as an initial step, sterilizingcabinet (150) may display one or more available sterilization cycles viatouch screen display (160) and then receive a sterilization cycleselection (block 200) from the user.

Sterilizing cabinet (150) may also display instructions indicatingwhether a biological indicator should be used with the selectedsterilization cycle, and receive a biological indicator identification(block 202). Such a biological indicator identification (block 202) maybe provided via identification tag reader (166), via touch screendisplay (160), or otherwise. A biological indicator may be placed insidesterilization chamber (152) of sterilizing cabinet (150) before thesterilization cycle begins and may remain in sterilization chamber (152)during the sterilization cycle. The user may thus identify theparticular biological indicator (block 202) before the biologicalindicator is placed in sterilization chamber (152). In versions wheremore than one sterilization chamber (152) is included in a sterilizingcabinet (150), separate biological indicators may be placed in separatesterilization chambers (152). Each biological indicator may containmicroorganisms that are responsive to a particular sterilization cycle.Upon completion of the sterilization cycle, the biological indicator maybe tested for the microorganisms in order to provide a measure of theeffectiveness of the sterilization cycle. A biological indicator may notnecessarily be required for all sterilization cycles, but may berequired based on hospital rules or local regulations.

Selection of a sterilization cycle (block 200) and identification of abiological indicator (block 202) may define one or more requirements forthe configuration and arrangement of medical devices withinsterilization chamber (152). Thus, in order to provide preparation forthe sterilization cycle (204) once the sterilization cycle has beenselected (block 200) and the biological indicator has been identified(block 202), sterilizing cabinet (150) may provide a display via touchscreen display (160) indicating a proper medical device placement. Thisdisplay may serve as a visual guide to a user's placement of medicaldevice(s) (and perhaps a biological indicator) within sterilizationchamber (152) of sterilizing cabinet (150), based on the sterilizationcycle selection (block 200). A door of sterilization chamber (152) maybe opened to enable the user to place the medical device(s) (and perhapsa biological indicator) within sterilization chamber (152) asinstructed.

Once the user has placed the medical device in sterilization chamber(152) based on these instructions, the user may press a start button orother button indicating that medical device placement is complete. Insome versions, sterilizing cabinet (150) is configured to automaticallyverify proper medical device placement. By way of example only,sterilizing cabinet (150) may employ photo sensors, imaging devices,weight sensors, and/or other components to verify proper medical deviceplacement in sterilization chamber (152). It should be understood,however, that some versions of sterilizing cabinet (150) may lack thecapability of automatically verifying proper placement of a medicaldevice within sterilization chamber (152).

If medical device placement is verified and/or the user has otherwisecompleted the cycle preparation (block 204), sterilizing cabinet (150)may start a load conditioning process (block 206). Load conditioningprocess (block 206) prepares sterilization chamber (152) and the medicaldevice(s) within sterilization chamber (152) for optimal sterilizationduring a sterilization cycle. Conditioning may include controlling andoptimizing one or more characteristics of sterilization chamber (152).For example, during load conditioning, sterilizing cabinet (150) maycontinuously monitor the level of moisture within sterilization chamber(152) while reducing the level of moisture by, for example, circulatingand dehumidifying the air of sterilization chamber (152), creating avacuum within sterilization chamber (152), heating sterilization chamber(152), and/or other methods for dehumidifying a sealed chamber. This maycontinue until sterilizing cabinet (150) determines that an acceptablelevel of moisture has been reached.

As part of load conditioning cycle (block 206), sterilizing cabinet(150) may also continuously detect the temperature within sterilizationchamber (152) while heating sterilization chamber (152) by, for example,convection of heated air, conduction through an interior surface ofsterilization chamber (152), and/or using other techniques. This maycontinue until sterilizing cabinet (150) determines that an acceptableinternal temperature has been reached. Various conditioning actions suchas controlling temperature or humidity may be performed in parallel orin sequence. It should also be understood that load conditioning cycle(block 206) may verify that sterilization chamber (152) is sealed;verifying contents of sterilization chamber (152); checking physicalcharacteristics of the contents of sterilization chamber (152) such ascontent volume, content weight, or other characteristics; and/orperforming one or more conditioning steps that may include chemicaltreatment, plasma treatment, or other types of treatment to reducemoisture, raise temperature, and/or otherwise prepare the medicaldevices in sterilization chamber (152) for sterilization cycle (block208).

While the one or more conditioning actions are being performed as partof load conditioning cycle (block 206), sterilizing cabinet (150) maydisplay information via touch screen display (160) indicating to a userthe duration of time before sterilization cycle (block 208) performancemay begin. Once all load conditioning criteria have been successfullymet, load conditioning cycle (block 206) is complete, and sterilizationcycle (block 208) may then be performed. It should therefore beunderstood that sterilizing cabinet (150) is configured such thatsterilization cycle (block 208) is not actually initiated until afterload conditioning cycle (block 206) is complete. It should also beunderstood that load conditioning cycle (block 206) may be omitted orvaried in some versions of sterilizing cabinet (150) operation.

As noted above, sterilization cabinet (150) may begin performing thesterilization cycle (block 208) automatically and immediately after loadconditioning (block 206) has been completed. Sterilization cycle (block208) may include exposing the medical device(s) in the sterilizingchamber to pressurized sterilant gas, further heat treatment, chemicaltreatment, plasma treatment, vacuum treatment, and/or other types ofsterilization procedures. During performance of sterilization cycle(block 208), sterilization cabinet (150) may display information viatouch screen display (160) such as a duration remaining forsterilization cycle (block 208), the current stage of sterilizationcycle (block 208) (e.g. plasma, vacuum, injection, heat, chemicaltreatment), and/or other information.

In some versions, sterilization cycle (block 208) includes the exemplarysub-steps shown in FIG. 3. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the cyclebegins with a vacuum being applied (block 310) within sterilizationchamber (152). In order to provide such a vacuum, processor (162) mayactivate vacuum source (180) in accordance with a control algorithm.Processor (162) will then determine (block 312) whether a sufficientvacuum pressure level has been reached within sterilization chamber(152). By way of example only, processor (162) may monitor data from oneor more pressure sensors within sterilization chamber (152) as part ofdetermination step (block 312). Alternatively, processor (162) maysimply activate vacuum source (180) for a predetermined time period andassume that the appropriate pressure has been reached in sterilization(152) based upon the duration for which vacuum source (180) isactivated. Other suitable ways in which processor (162) may determine(block 312) whether a sufficient pressure level has been reached withinsterilization chamber (152) will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art in view of the teachings herein. Until the appropriatepressure level has been reached within sterilization chamber (152),vacuum source (180) will remain activated.

Once sterilization chamber (152) reaches an appropriate pressure level(e.g., between about 0.2 torr and about 10 torr), processor (162) thenactivates sterilization module (156) to apply a sterilant (block 314) insterilization chamber (152). This stage of the process may be referredto as the “transfer phase.” By way of example only, the sterilant maycomprise a vapor of oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide, peroxyacids (e.g. peracetic acid, performic acid, etc.), ozone, or a mixturethereof. Furthermore, the sterilant may comprise chlorine dioxide.Various other suitable forms that the sterilant may take are describedherein; while other forms will be apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art in view of the teachings herein. It should also be understoodthat, in some versions, the sterilant may be applied (block 314) indifferent ways based on the user's selection of cycle (block 200) asdescribed above.

Once the sterilant has been applied (block 314) to sterilization chamber(152), processor (162) monitors the time (block 316) to determinewhether a sufficient, predetermined duration has passed. By way ofexample only, this predetermined duration may be anywhere from a fewseconds to several minutes. Until the predetermined duration has passed,sterilization chamber (152) remains in a sealed state at the above-notedpredetermined pressure level, with the applied sterilant acting upon themedical device(s) contained within sterilization chamber (152). In somevariations, processor (162) may monitor data from one or more pressuresensors within sterilization chamber (152) to conform whether asufficient vacuum pressure is being maintained within sterilizationchamber (152).

After the predetermined duration has passed, processor (162) activates(block 318) venting valve (182) to vent sterilization chamber (152) toatmosphere. In some versions, sterilization chamber (152) is allowed toreach atmospheric pressure, while in other versions sterilizationchamber (152) only reaches sub-atmospheric pressure. The venting stageof the process may be referred to as the “diffusion phase.” In thepresent example, the sterilization cycle is then complete (block 320)after completion of the diffusion phase. In some other instances, vacuumis again applied to sterilization chamber (152) after completion of thediffusion phase; and then a plasma is applied to sterilization chamber(152). It should be understood that the entire sterilization cycle shownin FIG. 3 (including the above-noted variation where a subsequent vacuumthen sterilization are applied) may be repeated one or more times afterbeing completed once. In other words, a medical device may remain withinsterilization chamber (152) and experience two or more iterations of theentire cycle shown in FIG. 3 (including the above-noted variation wherea subsequent vacuum then sterilization are applied). The number ofiterations may vary based on the cycle selection (block 200), which maybe influenced by the particular kind of medical device that is beingsterilized in sterilization chamber (152).

Upon completion of the sterilization cycle (block 208), sterilizationcabinet (150) may cycle the results (block 210) of the sterilizationcycle (block 208). For instance, if sterilization cycle (block 208) wascanceled or unable to complete due to error or by a user action,sterilizing cabinet (150) may remain sealed and may also display asterilization cycle cancellation message via touch screen display (160);as well as various details relating to the sterilization cycle, such asdate, time, configuration, elapsed time, sterilization cycle operator,the stage at which the sterilization cycle failed, and other informationthat may be used to identify why the sterilization cycle. Ifsterilization cycle (block 208) is completed successfully, sterilizationcabinet (150) may display a notification via touch screen display (160)indicating successful completion of sterilization cycle (block 208). Inaddition, sterilization cabinet (150) may display information such assterilization cycle identifier, sterilization cycle type, start time,duration, operator, and other information (666).

In some variations, a pre-plasma may be applied in the sterilizationcycle (block 208) to heat up the medical device contained insterilization chamber (152). By way of example only, plasma may beapplied between applying a vacuum (block 310) and applying sterilant(block 314). In addition, or in the alternative, a post-plasma may beapplied at the end of sterilization cycle (block 208) to degrade anyresidual sterilant that may be adsorbed to the surface of the medicaldevice contained in sterilization chamber (152). It should be understoodthat, before applying the post-plasma, a vacuum would first need to beapplied to sterilization chamber (152).

By way of example only, the process depicted in FIG. 3 may be carriedout at temperatures where the walls of sterilization chamber (152) arebetween about 30° C. and about 56° C., or more particularly betweenabout 47° C. and about 56° C., or even more particularly about 50° C.;and where the temperature of the medical device in sterilization chamber(152) is between about 5-10° C. and about 40-55° C.

In addition to the foregoing, sterilizing cabinet (150) may beconfigured to perform sterilization processes in accordance with atleast some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,939,519, the disclosureof which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 6,852,279,the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat.No. 6,852,277, the disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein; U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,719, the disclosure of which is incorporatedby reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,102, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,972, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; and/or U.S.Provisional Patent App. No. 62/316,722, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein.

While the foregoing examples are described in the context of sterilizingmedical devices, and particularly endoscopes, it should be understoodthat the teachings herein may also be readily applied in the context ofsterilizing various other kinds of articles. The teachings are notlimited to endoscopes or other medical devices. Other suitable articlesthat may be sterilized in accordance with the teachings herein will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

III. Overview of Exemplary Cartridge

As mentioned above, sterilizing module (156) is configured to receivereplaceable sterilant cartridges (158) containing a certain amount ofsterilant in order to dispense sterilant into sterilization chamber(152). In turn, sterilization chamber (152) may utilize sterilant fromreplaceable sterilant cartridges (158) in order to sterilize medicaldevices contained within sterilization chamber (152). FIGS. 4-5 show anexemplary form that sterilant cartridge (158) may take. In particular,FIGS. 4-5 show a sterilant cartridge (400) that may be readily used insterilizing module (156).

Sterilant cartridge (400) of the present example includes a body (402)extending from a proximal end (406) to a distal end (404). Body (402)defines a plurality of individual reservoir cells (408). Each reservoircell (408) may contain a predetermined amount of sterilant that may beisolated from sterilant in other reservoir cells (408). Each reservoircell (408) also defines a pair of access recesses (410). Access recesses(410) are configured to store sterilant in reservoir cells (408), butare also penetrable in order to remove sterilant from reservoir cells(408). As will be described in greater detail below, an extractionassembly may selectively remove sterilant from reservoir cells (408) viaaccess recesses (410). While in the current example, there are aplurality of reservoir cells (408) within a single cartridge (400), itshould be understood that one reservoir cell (408) may be present or anyother suitable number of reservoir cells (408) as would be apparent toone having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

As best seen in FIG. 5, body (402) of sterilant cartridge (400) alsoincludes an information area (412). Information area (412) may containinformation that may be read by other equipment on sterilizing module(156) in order to communicate such information to processor (162).Information area (412) may contain readable information relevant tosterilant cartridge (400), such as the expiration date of sterilantwithin cartridge (400), whether or not sterilant cartridge (400) hasalready been used before, or any other suitable information that wouldbe apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein. By way of example only, information area (412) mayinclude a barcode, a QR code, and/or any other optically readableindicia; an RFID tag; and/or any other suitable kind of machine readableindicia.

IV. Exemplary Cartridge Processing Assembly

FIGS. 6-7 show an exemplary cartridge processing assembly (500) that maybe readily incorporated into sterilizing module (156) described above.Therefore, it should be understood that any suitable portions ofcartridge processing assembly (500) may be in communication withprocessor (162), such that processor (162) may receive information from,and send instructions to, selected portions of cartridge processingassembly (500). Such communication may be established through anysuitable means as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in theart in view of the teachings herein. For example, wireless or wiredcommunication may be utilized. It should also be understood thatselected portions of cartridge processing assembly (500) may be in fluidcommunication with other suitable components of sterilizing cabinet(150), such as sterilization chamber (152). Such fluid communication maybe established through any suitable means as would be apparent to onehaving ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Cartridge processing assembly (500) is configured to receive areplaceable sterilant cartridge (400), read information stored onreplaceable sterilant cartridge (400) to confirm cartridge (400) isusable, and actuate cartridge (400) and portions of cartridge processingassembly (500) to extract sterilant from individual reservoir cells(408). In some instances, an operator may insert cartridge (400) intocartridge processing assembly (500) at an incorrect angle and/or withtoo much force. In some such instances, cartridge (400) mayinadvertently actuate selected portions of cartridge processing assembly(500), thereby misaligning some actuating portions of cartridgeprocessing assembly (500) and/or cartridge (400). In some otherinstances, an operator may improperly insert cartridge (400) intocartridge processing assembly (500) through other improper techniques,thereby misaligning some actuating portions of cartridge processingassembly (500) and/or cartridge (400). Therefore, it may be desirable toconfirm that cartridge (400) has been properly inserted into cartridgeprocessing assembly (500), without misaligning some actuating portionsof cartridge processing assembly (500) or cartridge (400) itself. It mayfurther be desirable to actively prevent cartridge (400) frommisaligning some actuating portion of cartridge processing assembly(500).

Cartridge processing assembly (500) of the present example includes aframe assembly (502), an extraction assembly (520), a sensor assembly(530), a carriage assembly (540), and a carriage actuation assembly(590). Frame assembly (502) includes a body (504) including a motormount (506), an extraction mount (508), a sensor mount (510), railsupports (512), a slide rail (514), and an ID reader body (516) housingan ID reader sensor (518). Motor mount (506) in configured to affix to amotor (592) of carriage actuation assembly (590). Motor mount (506) alsodefines a bore (505) that is configured to receive a lead screw (594)extending from motor (592). Body (504) also includes rotational bearings(507) that are configured to rotationally support lead screw (594) suchthat lead screw (594) may rotate about its own longitudinal axisrelative to body (504).

Extraction mount (508) is configured to affix to a selected portion ofextraction assembly (520) in order to support extraction assembly (520).Extraction mount (508) includes a slide slot (509) that is configured toact as a guide for actuating portions of extraction assembly (520).Sensor mount (510) is configured to affix to sensor assembly (530) suchthat sensor assembly (530) is fixed relative to body (504) of frameassembly (502). As will be described in greater detail below, sensorassembly (530) is fixed relative to frame assembly (502) in order toverify that cartridge (400) and carriage assembly (540) are properlyaligned relative to each other and to frame assembly (502). Slide rail(514) extends along body (504) and is attached to rail supports (512).As will be described in greater detail below, slide rail (514) slidablycouples with a portion of carriage assembly (540).

ID reader body (516) houses ID reader sensor (518). ID reader sensor(518) is in communication with processor (162). ID reader sensor (518)may be substantially similar to identification tag reader (166)described above. ID reader sensor (518) may read any suitableinformation associated with cartridge (400) inserted into cartridgeprocessing assembly (500) and send that information to processor (162).ID reader sensor (518) may read information relating to the expirationdate of cartridge (400) or determine if cartridge (400) has beenpreviously used. If processor (162) receives information indicating thatcartridge (400) is past its expiration date or has been previously used,processor (162) may direct cartridge processing assembly (500) to ejectcartridge (400) such that cartridge (400) may not be used. Of course,any other suitable information may be read by ID reader sensor (518),which may be communicated to processor (162) for any other suitablefunctions as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the artin view of the teachings herein. It should be understood that ID readersensor (518) may be positioned and configured to automatically readinformation presented on (412); and that this reading may automaticallyoccur when cartridge (400) is inserted into carriage assembly (540).

As best seen in FIGS. 16A-16B, extraction assembly (520) includes anextraction mechanism (522), a pair of needles (524) attached toextraction mechanism (522), an actuator (526), and a shaft (528) coupledto both extraction mechanism (522) and actuator (526). As will bedescribed in greater detail below, extraction assembly (520) may be usedto remove sterilant from reservoir cells (408) of cartridge (400).

Actuator (526) is attached to extraction mount (508) and is incommunication with processor (162). Actuator (526) is configured to moveshaft (528) and extraction mechanism (522) relative to frame assembly(502). Therefore, processor (162) may instruct actuator (526) to moveshaft (528) and extraction mechanism (522) relative to frame assembly(502). By way of example only, actuator (526) may comprise a solenoid.Other suitable forms that actuator (526) may take will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Extraction mechanism (522) is in fluid communication with needles (524)and may also be in fluid communication with sterilization chamber (152).Extraction mechanism (522) is configured to remove sterilant fromcartridge (400) with needles (524) and transport sterilant tosterilization chamber (152). Extraction mechanism (522) may include airpumps, valves, and any other suitable components to extract sterilantfrom cartridge (400) as would be apparent to one having ordinary skillin the art in view of the teachings herein. Extraction mechanism (522)may also be in communication with processor (162) to selectivelyactivate mechanics of extraction mechanism (522).

Extraction mechanism (522) is slidably coupled with slide rail (514)such that when actuator (526) is activated, extraction mechanism (522)slides within slide rail (514). As best seen between FIGS. 16A-16B, whencartridge (400) is properly aligned with access recesses (410) ofreservoir cell (408), actuator (526) may drive extraction mechanism(522) toward cartridge (400) such that needles (524) penetrate accessrecesses (410) of reservoir cell (408). Processor (162) may thenactivate mechanics of extraction mechanism (522) in order to removesterilant from reservoir cell (408) and transfer the sterilant to othersuitable portions of sterilizing cabinet (150) as would be apparent toone having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Carriage actuation assembly (590) includes motor (592) and lead screw(594). Motor (592) is configured to rotate lead screw (594) about thelongitudinal axis of lead screw (594). As will be described in greaterdetail below, threading of lead screw (594) meshes with complementarythreading of carriage assembly (540) such that rotation of lead screw(594) drives longitudinal translation of carriage assembly (540) alongthe longitudinal axis of lead screw (594). Since motor (592) may rotatelead screw (592), motor (592) may then longitudinally drive carriageassembly (540) relative to frame assembly (502) via lead screw (594). Attimes when frame assembly (502) should be held stationary, processor(162) may activate motor (592) to provide electric motor braking, whichmay prevent unintended rotation of lead screw (594), and thereforeprevent unintended translation of carriage assembly (540). For example,if electric motor braking is not provided via motor (592), longitudinalforces acting on carriage assembly (540), such as excess force providedby an operator inserting cartridge (400) into carriage assembly (540),may cause frictional engagement between complementary threading ofcarriage assembly (540) and lead screw (592). Frictional engagementbetween complementary threading may lead to unintended rotation of leadscrew, leading to unintended translation of carriage assembly (540).When electric braking is applied via motor (592), such longitudinalforces acting on carriage assembly (540) may not be strong enough toaccidentally rotate lead screw (592) and translate carriage assembly(540). Various suitable ways in which electric braking may be appliedvia motor (592) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artin view of the teachings herein. It should also be understood thatmechanical braking may be used in addition to, or in lieu of, usingelectric motor braking.

Motor (592) may be in communication with processor (162) such that motor(592) may receive instructions from processor (162). By way of exampleonly, motor (592) may comprise a stepper motor or any other suitablemotor assembly that would be apparent to one having ordinary skill inthe art in view of the teachings herein. Motor (592) may contain anysuitable number of components that would be apparent to one havingordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Processor(162) may store its previous instructions to rotate motor (592) suchthat processor (162) may infer the rotational position of motor (592)based on previous instructions, and therefore processor (162) may inferthe rotational position of lead screw (594). Alternatively, motor (592)may have a rotational sensor (e.g., encoder assembly) that is configuredto communicate the rotational position of lead screw (594) to processor(162). Of course, any other suitable rotational position measurementdevice may be used as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill inthe art in view of the teachings herein.

If carriage assembly (540) and cartridge (400) are properly inserted andlocated relative to frame assembly (502), the rotational position oflead screw (594) may correlate to a longitudinal position of carriageassembly (540) relative to frame assembly (502). Therefore, processor(162) may accurately predict the longitudinal position of carriageassembly (540) based on the rotational position of lead screw (594) ifcarriage assembly (540) is properly located. In turn, processor (162)may instruct motor (592) to rotate lead screw (594) in order totranslate carriage assembly (540) and a properly inserted cartridge(400) such that cartridge (400) is properly aligned with extractionassembly (520) in order to remove sterilant from reservoir cells (408)in a precise succession as described above.

It may be desirable to confirm the location of a carriage assembly (540)and a newly inserted cartridge (400) before utilizing motor (592) toalign cartridge (400) with extraction assembly (520) in order to removesterilant from reservoir cells (408). If carriage assembly (540) and/orcartridge (400) are/is not properly aligned, extraction assembly (520)may not properly align with cartridge (400) when attempting to removesterilant via needles (524) penetrating access recesses (410). Ifneedles (524) do not align with access recesses (410), needles (524),cartridge (400), extraction mechanism (524), other components ofextraction assembly (520), and/or cartridge processing assembly (500)may be damaged. Therefore, it may be desirable to accurately locate anewly inserted cartridge (400) relative to carriage assembly (540) andframe assembly (502), and locate carriage assembly (540) relative toframe assembly (502), with ensured consistency. The followingdescription relates to exemplary components and techniques that may beused to ensure consistency in the accurate location of newly insertedcartridge (400) relative to carriage assembly (540) and frame assembly(502); and of carriage assembly (540) relative to frame assembly (502).

A. Exemplary Sensor Assembly

As best shown in FIG. 8, sensor assembly (530) of the present exampleincludes a housing (532) defining a U-shaped channel (534), opposingoptical sensors (536) located within U-shaped channel (534), a mount(538), and electrical contacts (535). Housing (532) is fixed relative tosensor mount (510) via mount (538). Electrical contacts (535) areconfigured to provide communication between optical sensors (536) andprocessor (162). It should be understood that wires (not shown) mayextend between electrical contacts (535) and processor (162) to providesuch communication.

Housing (532) is located within frame assembly (502) such that U-shapedchannel (534) may accept selected portions of carriage assembly (540)when portions of carriage assembly (540) actuate relative to frameassembly (502). Optical sensors (536) are placed on opposite sides ofU-shaped channel (534) of housing (352) such that optical sensors (536)face toward each other. Optical sensors (536) are configured to detectwhen a portion of carriage assembly (540) is located within U-shapedchannel (534) of housing (532) and between optical sensors (536).Optical sensors (536) may communicate with processor (162) when aportion of carriage assembly (540) is detected between optical sensors(536); as well as when a portion of carriage assembly (540) is notdetected between optical sensors (536). Therefore, optical sensors (536)may act as a trigger for processor (162) to initiate an action based onthe presence or absence of an object between optical sensors (536). Aswill be described in greater detail below, processor (162) may utilizesignals from optical sensors (536) in order to execute a cartridge andcarriage locating process, as well as a homing process in preparationfor extracting sterilant from cartridge (400). Processor (162) may alsoutilize signals from optical sensors (536) to start and stop otheractions/functions, such as counting rotational displacement of motor(592). In other words, optical sensors (536) may start and stop acounting process of processor (162).

While optical sensors (536) are used in the present example to detectthe presence of objects between U-shaped channel (534), any othersuitable trigger mechanism may be used. For example, a biased cammingtrigger may be located within U-shaped channel (534) such that ascarriage assembly (540) travels through U-shaped channel (534), portionsof carriage assembly (540) cam against the biased camming trigger tosignal that an object is located within housing (532). Other suitablekinds of sensors that may be used will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

B. Exemplary Carriage Assembly

As best seen in FIGS. 9-12, carriage assembly (540) extends from aproximal portion (566) to a distal portion (564). Carriage assembly(540) includes a side panel (542), a top panel (544), a bottom panel(546), a nut (550) fixed to the underside of bottom panel (546), atranslating flag (570) slidably coupled to bottom panel (546), and afirst and second static flag (560, 562) extending downwardly from bottompanel (546). As will be described in greater detail below, translatingflag (570), first static flag (560), and second static flag (562) areconfigured to translate through U-shaped channel (534) of sensorassembly (530) in order to provide verification of proper insertion ofcartridge (400) into carriage assembly (540), to verify that carriageassembly (540) is properly located within cartridge processing assembly(500), and to properly home carriage assembly (540) and insertedcartridge (400) in preparation for an extraction process.

Side flange (542) includes a cartridge stop (568) located at distalportion (564) of carriage assembly (540). Top panel (544) includes adownwardly extending flange (545) extending from an edge of top panel(544) and a proximally presented flange (541). Additionally, bottompanel (546) includes an upwardly extending flange (547) extending froman edge of bottom panel (546) and a proximally presented flange (541).Upwardly extending flange (547) includes a leaf spring (548) terminatingat distal portion (564) of carriage assembly (540). Side panel (542),top panel (544), bottom panel (546), downwardly extending flange (545),and upwardly extending flange (547) together define cartridge channel(543). As best seen between FIGS. 15A-15B, cartridge channel (543) isopen at proximal portion (566) of carriage assembly (540) in order toreceive distal end (404) of cartridge (400). Proximally presentedflanges (541) may accommodate insertion of distal end (404) of cartridge(400) and provide guiding lead-ins for cartridge (400) such thatcartridge (400) does not necessarily need to be entirely aligned withcartridge channel (543) during initial insertion of cartridge (400).Cartridge stop (568) is configured to prevent distal end (404) ofcartridge (400) from sliding past cartridge stop (568). Leaf spring(548) is configured to push adjacent portions of cartridge (400)laterally against side panel (542) in order to ensure cartridge (400) ispressed against side panel (542) when cartridge (400) is properlyinserted.

Top panel (544) includes two flanges (556) each defining an opening(558). Openings (558) are dimensioned to slidably receive slide rail(514) such that carriage assembly (540) may translate along the pathdefined by slide rail (514).

As best seen in FIGS. 11-12, nut (550) includes a distally presentedhook (549), which is configured to couple with bias spring (588). Aswill be described in greater detail below, bias spring (588) connectswith translating flag (570) in order to bias translating flag (570)relative to the rest of carriage assembly (540) toward a proximalposition. Nut (550) also defines a proximal bore (552) and a distalthreaded bore (554). Proximal bore (552) and distal threaded bore (554)are dimensioned to receive lead screw (594). In particular, threadedbore (554) includes complementary threading with the thread of leadscrew (594) such that rotation of lead screw (594) longitudinally drivesnut (550) and the rest of carriage assembly (540) along the longitudinalaxis of lead screw (594). Because carriage (540) is coupled with sliderail (514) via flanges (556), carriage assembly (540) does not rotate inresponse to rotation of lead screw (594). In other words, flanges (556)and slide rail (514) rotationally fix carriage assembly (540) whileallowing translation of carriage assembly (540), such that frictionalengagement between complementary threading of lead screw (594) andthreaded bore (554) only translate carriage assembly (540). While in thecurrent example, distal bore (554) is threaded and proximal bore (552)is not, any suitable combination of threaded bores may be utilized aswould be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein. For example, both bores (552, 554) may be threaded; oronly proximal bore (552) may be threaded.

As best seen in FIGS. 11-14, translating flag (570) includes a couplingportion (572) and a flag portion (580) coupled to each other with alaterally offset arm (585). As described above, and as will be describedin greater detail below, a portion of translating flag (570) isconfigured to translate through U-shaped channel (534) of sensorassembly (530). In particular, flag portion (580) is configured totranslate through U-shaped channel (534) of sensor assembly (530).Additionally, as described above, translating flag (570) is configuredto translate relative to the rest of carriage assembly (540), includingstatic flags (560, 562). As will be described in greater detail below,translating flag (570) and static flags (560, 562) may be utilized tocompare the placement of an inserted cartridge (400) relative tocarriage assembly (540); and to verify the proper location of carriageassembly (540) along lead screw (594).

Coupling portion (572) includes a contact wall (574), a narrow member(576), an upper lateral projection (578), and a lower lateral projection(579). As will be described in greater detail below, coupling portion(572) is configured to slidably couple with bottom panel (546) ofcarriage assembly (540). Narrow member (576), upper lateral projection(578), and lower lateral projection (579) define a guide path (575) thatis configured to receive a portion of bottom panel (546) defining a slot(565). In particular, narrow member (576) is configured to slide withinslot (565) while upper later projection (578) and lower lateralprojection (579) rest on the top and bottom faces of bottom panel (546),respectively. Coupling portion (572) also defines a coupling hole (589)configured to couple with bias spring (588). As described above, one endof bias spring (588) is configured to couple with hook (549) of nut(550) such that bias spring (588) may bias translating flag (570) to theproximal position within slot (565), as best seen in FIG. 11. Narrowportion (576) abuts against the proximal end of slot (565) defined bybottom panel (546) when translating flag (270) is in the proximalposition. As will be described in greater detail below, translating flag(570) is configured to translate distally within slot (565) of bottompanel (546) in response to cartridge (400) being inserted withincartridge channel (543) of carriage assembly (540). In particular,translating flange (570) may translate within slot (565) in response todistal end (404) of cartridge (400) bearing against contact wall (574)of translating flag (570).

As best seen in FIGS. 13-14, flag portion (580) includes a flag body(582) defining an aperture (584). Laterally offset arm (585) extendsfrom lower lateral projection (579) such that flag portion (580) islaterally aligned with first static flag (560) and second static flag(562). Therefore, as carriage assembly (540) translates due to rotationof lead screw (594), translating flag (570), first static flag (560),and second static flag (562) may translate within U-shaped channel (534)of sensor assembly (530).

C. Exemplary Use of Cartridge Processing Assembly

FIGS. 15A-15D and FIGS. 17A-18D show an exemplary insertion of cartridge(400) into carriage assembly (540). As will be described in greaterdetail below, sensor assembly (530) and carriage assembly (540) may helpverify proper insertion of cartridge (400) into cartridge processingassembly (500); and translate carriage assembly (540) to a home positionin preparation to extract sterilant from a properly inserted cartridge(400).

First, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 17A, carriage assembly (540) ispositioned in a proximal cartridge receiving position within frameassembly (502). An operator may provide user input via touch screendisplay (160) in order to actuate carriage assembly (540) to thecartridge receiving position. Alternatively, processor (162) mayautomatically instruct carriage actuation assembly (590) to movecarriage assembly (540) to the cartridge receiving position when nocartridge (400) is within carriage assembly (540) or in response to anyother suitable condition that would be apparent to one having ordinaryskill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

It should be understood that prior to carriage assembly (540)translating to the proximal cartridge receiving position within frameassembly (502) (as shown in FIGS. 15A and 17A), processor (162) maymeasure the distance between translating flag (570) in the proximalposition and first static flag (560). As will be described in greaterdetail below, this measurement may be used as a datum reference andcompared with the distance between first static flag (560) andtranslating flag (570) in a distal position. This comparison may furtherbe used to determine if cartridge (400) has been properly inserted intocarriage assembly (540) within specified tolerances. In some versions,as part of an initialization routine that begins when or shortly aftersterilizing cabinet (150) is initially powered on, this datum referencedistance may be measured. For instance, as part of this routine,processor (162) may activate motor (592) to drive carriage (540) firstto the home position, then to the proximal position where carriage (540)is positioned to receive a new cartridge (400).

It should also be understood that this datum reference calculationroutine of carriage (540) being translated first to the home position,then to the proximal position where carriage (540) is positioned toreceive a new cartridge (400), may also be performed automatically whensterilant has been extracted from the last pair of reservoir cells(408), when cartridge (400) is deemed expired, when an operator manuallyinitiates the routine, and/or at any other suitable time. Any time thisroutine is performed, the datum reference may be re-calculated toprovide dynamic learning of the datum reference. This may ensure thatthe datum reference remains as current as possible, which may provide away to account for physical changes in cabinet (150) that may naturallyoccur over time. For instance, spring (588) may wear over time, whichmay result in slight but meaningful changes in the datum referencevalue. By ensuring that the datum reference updated often, processor(162) may prevent such physical changes from providing false positive orfalse negative results during the positioning confirmation routinesdescribed herein. It should also be understood that the mechanical partswithin cabinet (150) will have various tolerances. By providing thedynamic learning of the datum reference as described herein, processor(162) will provide independent compensation for these tolerances. Inother words, even before cabinet (150) is used the first time (i.e.,such that no parts have become worn or deformed, etc.), differentcabinets (150) may provide different datum reference values due simplyto mechanical tolerances, and the dynamic learning of the datumreference may account for such tolerances to provide a datum referencethat is particularly suited for the particular cabinet (150). Otherwise,if a group of cabinets (150) were to all be prescribed a certainpredetermined datum reference value, that particular datum referencevalue may be inappropriate for one or more cabinets (150) in the groupdue to slight but meaningful physical differences provided by mechanicaltolerances.

As described above, processor (162) is in communication with motor (592)such that processor (162) may track the rotational displacement ofrotating motor (592). Rotational displacement of motor (592) maycorrelate to a change in longitudinal position of carriage assembly(540), which processor (162) may calculate. Additionally, and asmentioned above, optical sensors (536) may be utilized to act as atrigger for processor (162) to initiate actions based on sensors (536)detecting or not detecting objects. Therefore, sensors (536) mayinstruct processor (162) to count rotational displacement of rotatingmotor (592) between detection of flag body (582) of translating flag(570) and first static flag (560) as motor (592) actuates carriageassembly (540). Processor (162) may convert the rotational displacementof motor (592) measured between sensors (536) detection of flag body(582) and first static flag (560) into a linear measurement betweentranslating flag (570) and first static flag (560). Now, processor (162)has a datum reference distance between translating flag (570) in theproximal position relative to the rest of carriage assembly (540).

At the point shown in FIGS. 15A and 17A, cartridge (400) is not insertedwithin carriage assembly (540). As best seen in FIG. 17A, translatingflag (570) is in the proximal position due to the force provided bybiasing spring (588). It should be understood that contact wall (574) oftranslating flag (570) is proximal in relation to cartridge stop (568)when translating flag (570) is in the proximal position. It should alsobe understood that at this point, electric braking may be appliedthrough motor (592) to prevent unintentional rotation of lead screw(594) in response to frictional engagement between complementarythreading of lead screw (594) and nut (550).

Next, as shown in FIGS. 15B, 17B, and 18A, cartridge (400) is insertedinto cartridge channel (543) of carriage assembly (540) such that distalend (404) of cartridge (400) is adjacent to contact wall (574). If forsome reason, cartridge (400) is improperly inserted within cartridgechannel (543) causing unintended longitudinal forces to act uponcarriage assembly (540), the electrical brake that is provided throughmotor (592) will prevent unintended translation of carriage assembly(540) and misalignment of cartridge (400).

It should be understood that, at this point, translating flag (570) isstill in the proximal position. Additionally, as best shown in FIG. 18A,flag body (582) of flag portion (580) is located within U-shaped channel(534) of sensor assembly (530). In particular, optical sensors (536) aredirectly adjacent to aperture (584) such that optical sensors (536) donot detect an object between sensors (536). With optical sensors (536)not detecting a first object between sensors (536), processor (162) hasnot yet received a signal to activate motor (592) to actuate carriageassembly (540) while measuring rotational displacement of motor (592).As best shown in FIG. 17B, leaf spring (548) of upwardly extendingflange (547) is urging cartridge (400) against side panel (542).

Next, as shown in FIGS. 15C, 17C, and 18B, cartridge (400) is furtherinserted into cartridge channel (543) of carriage assembly (540) suchthat distal end (404) of cartridge (400) bears against contact wall(574) to move translating flag (570) to a distal position. Whiletranslating flag (570) is pushed to the distal position, bias spring(588) imparts a proximally oriented force on cartridge (400) via contactwall (574). However, the frictional force provided by leaf spring (548)imparted on cartridge (400) is strong enough to overcome the bias forceof spring (588) and keep translation flag (570) in the distal position.At this point, flag body (582) of flag portion (580) is still locatedwithin U-shaped channel (534). However, optical sensors (536) are nowdirectly adjacent to flag body (582) instead of aperture (584).Therefore, optical sensors (536) detect an object between sensors (536).

Once optical sensors (536) detect flag body (582), optical sensors (536)may send signals to processor (162). Optical sensors (536) may send aninitial signal to processor (162) to debounce further sensor signals fora predetermined amount to time, such as 100 ms. This debouncing time mayallow for further insertion of cartridge (400) within carriage assembly(540), although this is merely optional. Optical sensors (536) may thensignal to processor (162) to activate motor (592) to translate carriageassembly (540) distally within frame assembly (502). Additionally,optical sensors (536) may also signal to processor (162) to begincounting the rotations of motor (592) until optical sensors (536) detectfirst static flag (560) as shown in FIGS. 15D, 17D, and 18C.

When optical sensors (536) detect first static flag (560), sensors (536)may signal to processor (162) to compare the number of motor (592)rotations counted at that point to an expected number of motor (592)rotations. In other words, processor (162) may determine whether motor(592) has rotated an expected number of times during the range of travelassociated with flag body (582) first triggering sensors (536) followedby first static flag (560) triggering sensors (536). If the number ofactual rotations matches the expected number of rotations, thenprocessor (162) determines that cartridge (400) was properly insertedinto carriage assembly (540); and processor (162) may continueactivation of motor (592) to continue driving carriage assembly (540)and cartridge (400) distally.

It should be understood that the number of rotations of motor (592)during the time between sensor (536) detection of flag body (582) andsensor detection of first static flag (560) will correlate with thelinear distance between flag body (582) and first static flag (560). Itshould also be understood that the linear distance between flag body(582) and first static flag (560) may vary based on the extent to whichtranslating flag (570) has translated distally relative to the rest ofcarriage assembly (540). Moreover, the extent to which translating flag(570) has translated distally relative to the rest of carriage assembly(540) will vary based on whether cartridge (400) has been properlyinserted into carriage assembly (540). Thus, if cartridge (400) has beenproperly inserted into carriage assembly (540), the linear distancebetween flag body (582) and first static flag (560) will be appropriate,which will result in motor (592) rotating an expected number of timesduring the time between sensor (536) detection of flag body (582) andsensor detection of first static flag (560). However, if cartridge (400)has not been properly inserted into carriage assembly (540), the lineardistance between flag body (582) and first static flag (560) will not beappropriate (e.g., the distance will be too short), which will result inmotor (592) rotating an inappropriate number of times (e.g., too fewnumber of times) during the time between sensor (536) detection of flagbody (582) and sensor detection of first static flag (560). Thus, in theevent that processor (162) determines that motor (592) has failed torotate the expected number of times during the range of travelassociated with flag body (582) first triggering sensors (536) followedby first static flag (560) triggering sensors (536), processor (162) maytrigger an error routine. For instance, processor (162) may activatemotor (592) to rotate in reverse, thereby driving cartridge (400) andcarriage assembly (540) proximally to re-present cartridge (400) to theoperator; and/or present a message via touch screen display (160)indicating that cartridge (400) was inserted improperly. The operatormay thereby be prompted to remove and re-insert cartridge (400)properly.

Assuming the case where processor (162) determines that cartridge (400)was properly inserted into carriage assembly (540) based on the motor(592) rotations tallying up to the expected value as described above,processor (162) will continue activation of motor (592) to continuedriving carriage assembly (540) and cartridge (400) distally. Duringthis range of continued travel, information area (412) may eventuallypass before ID reader sensor (518), triggering automated reading of thelabel, tag, etc., that is located on information area (412). Processor(162) may process data obtained through this reading and therebydetermine whether use of cartridge (400) would be appropriate. Forinstance, processor (162) may determine whether cartridge (400) containsa sterilant that is consistent with a sterilization cycle selected bythe operator, whether cartridge (400) is authentic (e.g., originatingfrom a trusted source), whether cartridge (400) has been used before,etc. Various suitable ways in which processor (162) may determinewhether use of cartridge (400) would be appropriate will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

In the event that processor (162) determines that use of cartridge (400)would be appropriate based on the reading by ID reader sensor (518),processor (162) may continue activating motor (592), thereby resultingin continued distal travel of carriage assembly (540) and cartridge(400). In the event that processor (162) determines that use ofcartridge (400) would not be appropriate based on the reading by IDreader sensor (518), processor (162) may execute an error routine. Forinstance, processor (162) may activate motor (592) to rotate in reverse,thereby driving cartridge (400) and carriage assembly (540) proximallyto re-present cartridge (400) to the operator; and/or present a messagevia touch screen display (160) indicating that cartridge (400) isunusable. The operator may thereby be prompted to remove cartridge (400)and replace cartridge (400) with an appropriate cartridge (400).

Assuming the case where processor (162) determines that use of cartridge(400) is appropriate based on the reading by ID reader sensor (518),processor (162) will continue activation of motor (592) to continuedriving carriage assembly (540) and cartridge (400) distally. Carriageassembly (540) eventually reaches the position shown in FIG. 18D, wheresecond static flag (562) is between sensors (536). When sensors (536)detect second static flag (562), processor (162) may stop motor (592).At this stage, cartridge (400) and carriage assembly (540) are the homeposition in preparation for the extraction process shown in FIGS.16A-16B.

After extraction assembly (520) extracts sterilant from the first(distal-most) pair of reservoir cells (408), and processor (162) is theninstructed to execute another sterilization cycle, processor (162) mayactivate motor (592) once again to drive carriage assembly (540) andcartridge (400) distally to index the next pair of reservoir cells (408)with extraction assembly (520). In order to provide proper positioningof the next pair of reservoir cells (408), to thereby properly index thenext pair of reservoir cells (408) with extraction assembly (520),processor (162) may simply track the number of rotations of motor (592)and stop motor (592) once the number of rotations reaches apredetermined value that is associated with carriage assembly (540) andcartridge (400) traveling the appropriate distance. This sequence may berepeated for subsequent sterilization cycles until sterilant has beenextracted from the last (proximal-most) reservoir cells (408). When thisoccurs, sterilizing cabinet (150) may dispose of the spent cartridge(400) in any suitable fashion and prompt the operator to insert a newcartridge (400).

In addition to the foregoing, the cartridge (400) handling features ofsterilizing cabinet (150) (and/or other features of sterilizing cabinet(150)) may be configured and operable in accordance with at least someof the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 8,440,139, entitled “Method ofDelivering Liquid Sterilant to a Sterilizer,” issued May 14, 2013, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Varioussuitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined with theteachings of U.S. Pat. No. 8,440,139 will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art.

V. Exemplary Combinations

The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in whichthe teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understoodthat the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage ofany claims that may be presented at any time in this application or insubsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. Thefollowing examples are being provided for nothing more than merelyillustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachingsherein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is alsocontemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred toin the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or featuresreferred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitlyindicated as such at a later date by the inventors or by a successor ininterest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in thisapplication or in subsequent filings related to this application thatinclude additional features beyond those referred to below, thoseadditional features shall not be presumed to have been added for anyreason relating to patentability.

Example 1

A sterilization system comprising: (a) a sterilization chamberconfigured to receive and sterilize at least one medical device; (b) aprocessor; and (c) a sterilization module comprising: (i) a frameassembly comprising a sensor in communication with the processor, (ii)an extraction assembly in fluid communication with the sterilizationchamber, wherein the extraction assembly is configured to extract asterilant fluid from a cartridge and transfer the sterilant fluid to thesterilization chamber, and (iii) a carriage assembly comprising: (A) amotor in communication with the processor, (B) a carriage body coupledwith the motor, wherein the carriage body is configured to receive thecartridge, and (C) a translating flag configured to move from a firstposition to a second position relative to the carriage body in responseto the carriage body receiving the cartridge, wherein the sensor isconfigured to detect movement of the translating flag from the firstposition to the second position.

Example 2

The sterilization system of Example 1, wherein the motor is configuredto drive the carriage body distally in response to the sensor detectingthe movement of the translating flag from the first position to thesecond position.

Example 3

The sterilization system of Example 2, wherein the carriage bodycomprises a first static flag, wherein the sensor is configured todetect the first static flag, wherein the motor is configured to drivethe carriage body distally in response to the sensor detecting thetranslating flag actuating form the first position to the secondposition until the sensor detects the first static flag.

Example 4

The sterilization system of Example 3, wherein the processor isconfigured to calculate a first distance between the translating flag inthe first position and the static flag, wherein the processor isconfigured to store a datum distance based in part on the firstdistance.

Example 5

The sterilization system of Example 4, wherein the processor isconfigured to calculate a second distance between the translating flagin the second position and the first static flag.

Example 6

The sterilization system of Example 5, wherein the motor is configuredto proximally actuate the carriage body and thereby reject the cartridgeif the second distance is less than the datum distance.

Example 7

The sterilization system of Example 6, wherein the carriage body furthercomprises a second static flag, wherein the sensor is configured todetect the second static flag, wherein the motor is configured todistally actuate the carriage body toward the second static flag if thesecond distance is greater than or equal to the datum distance.

Example 8

The sterilization system of Example 7, wherein the motor is configuredto stop actuating the carriage body in response to the sensor detectingthe second static flag.

Example 9

The sterilization system of any one or more of Examples 1 through 8,wherein the translating flag is resiliently biased toward the firstposition.

Example 10

The sterilization system of any one or more of Examples 1 through 9,wherein the translating flag comprises a contact wall configured tointerface with the cartridge.

Example 11

The sterilization system of any one or more of Examples 1 through 10,wherein the carriage assembly further comprises a resilient memberconfigured to urge the cartridge against the carriage body.

Example 12

The sterilization system of any one or more of Examples 1 through 11,wherein the translating flag defines an aperture, wherein the sensor ispositioned to be adjacent to the aperture when the translating flag isin the first position.

Example 13

The sterilization system of any one or more of Examples 1 through 12,wherein the frame comprises a sensor body defining a U-shaped channel,wherein the sensor is located within the U-shaped channel.

Example 14

The sterilization system of any one or more of Examples 1 through 13,wherein the carriage assembly further comprises a lead screw extendingfrom the motor, wherein the lead screw associated with the carriagebody, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the lead screw such thatthe lead screw is thereby operable to translate the carriage body.

Example 15

The sterilization system of any one or more of Examples 1 through 14,wherein the motor comprises a stepper motor.

Example 16

The sterilization system of any one or more of Examples 1 through 15,wherein the processor is configured to provide electric braking throughthe motor.

Example 17

A sterilization system comprising: (a) a sterilization chamberconfigured to receive and sterilize at least one medical device; (b) aprocessor; and (c) a sterilization module in fluid communication withthe sterilization chamber and in electrical communication with theprocessor, wherein the sterilization module comprises: (i) a frameassembly comprising a sensor in communication with the processor, (ii)an extraction assembly in fluid communication with the sterilizationchamber and in electrical communication with the processor, wherein theextraction assembly is configured to extract a sterilant fluid from acartridge and transfer the sterilant fluid to the sterilization chamber,and (iii) a carriage assembly configured to actuate relative to theframe assembly, wherein the carriage assembly comprises: (A) a carriagedefining a cartridge channel configured to receive the cartridge, (B) atranslating flag configured to move from a first position to a secondposition relative to the carriage in response to the carriage assemblyreceiving the cartridge, wherein the sensor is configured to detectmovement of the translating flag from the first position to the secondposition, and (C) a static flag fixed to the carriage, wherein thesensor is configured to detect the static flag, wherein the processor isconfigured to measure a first distance between the static flag and thetranslating flag in the first position, wherein the processor isconfigured to measure a second distance between the static flag and thetranslating flag in the second position, wherein the processor isconfigured to compare the first distance and the second distance todetermine if the cartridge is properly inserted within the carriageassembly.

Example 18

The sterilization system of Example 17, wherein the translating flag isresiliently biased to the first position.

Example 19

A sterilization system comprising: (a) a sterilization chamberconfigured to receive and sterilize at least one medical device; (b) aprocessor; and (c) a sterilization module in fluid communication withthe sterilization chamber and in electrical communication with theprocessor, wherein the sterilization module comprises: (i) a frameassembly comprising a sensor in communication with the processor, (ii)an extraction assembly in fluid communication with the sterilizationchamber and in electrical communication with the processor, wherein theextraction assembly is configured to extract a sterilant fluid from acartridge and transfer the sterilant fluid to the sterilization chamber,(iii) a carriage assembly defining a cartridge channel configured toreceive a cartridge, wherein the carriage assembly comprises: (A) acarriage defining a cartridge channel configured to receive thecartridge, and (B) a translating flag configured to move from a firstposition to a second position relative to the carriage in response tothe carriage assembly receiving the cartridge, wherein the sensor isconfigured to detect movement of the translating flag from the firstposition to the second position, and (iv) a motor configured to actuatethe carriage assembly in response to movement of the translating flagfrom the first position to the second position.

Example 20

The sterilization system of Example 19, further comprising a cartridgeconfigured to fit in the carriage, wherein the cartridge contains aliquid sterilant.

VI. Miscellaneous

It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or otherdisclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to beincorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to theextent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existingdefinitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in thisdisclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure asexplicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting materialincorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, thatis said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts withexisting definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forthherein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arisesbetween that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention,further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may beaccomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill inthe art without departing from the scope of the present invention.Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and otherswill be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, theexamples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps,and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required.Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered interms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to thedetails of structure and operation shown and described in thespecification and drawings.

We claim:
 1. A sterilization system comprising: (a) a sterilizationchamber configured to receive and sterilize at least one medical device;(b) a processor; and (c) a sterilization module comprising: (i) a frameassembly comprising a sensor in communication with the processor, (ii)an extraction assembly in fluid communication with the sterilizationchamber, wherein the extraction assembly is configured to extract asterilant fluid from a cartridge and transfer the sterilant fluid to thesterilization chamber, and (iii) a carriage assembly comprising: (A) amotor in communication with the processor, (B) a carriage body coupledwith the motor, wherein the motor is configured to drive the carriagebody relative to the frame assembly, wherein the carriage body isconfigured to receive the cartridge, and (C) a translating flagconfigured to move from a first position to a second position relativeto the carriage body in response to the carriage body receiving thecartridge, wherein the sensor is configured to detect movement of thetranslating flag from the first position to the second position, whereinthe translating flag is configured to remain in the second positionrelative to the carriage body when the motor drives the carriage bodyafter the carriage body suitably received the cartridge.
 2. Thesterilization system of claim 1, wherein the motor is configured todrive the carriage body distally in response to the sensor detecting themovement of the translating flag from the first position to the secondposition.
 3. The sterilization system of claim 2, wherein the carriagebody comprises a first static flag, wherein the sensor is configured todetect the first static flag, wherein the motor is configured to drivethe carriage body distally in response to the sensor detecting thetranslating flag actuating form the first position to the secondposition until the sensor detects the first static flag.
 4. Thesterilization system of claim 3, wherein the processor is configured tocalculate a first distance between the translating flag in the firstposition and the static flag, wherein the processor is configured tostore a datum distance based in part on the first distance.
 5. Thesterilization system of claim 4, wherein the processor is configured tocalculate a second distance between the translating flag in the secondposition and the first static flag.
 6. The sterilization system of claim5, wherein the motor is configured to proximally actuate the carriagebody and thereby reject the cartridge if the second distance is lessthan the datum distance.
 7. The sterilization system of claim 6, whereinthe carriage body further comprises a second static flag, wherein thesensor is configured to detect the second static flag, wherein the motoris configured to distally actuate the carriage body toward the secondstatic flag if the second distance is greater than or equal to the datumdistance.
 8. The sterilization system of claim 7, wherein the motor isconfigured to stop actuating the carriage body in response to the sensordetecting the second static flag.
 9. The sterilization system of claim1, wherein the translating flag is resiliently biased toward the firstposition.
 10. The sterilization system of claim 1, wherein thetranslating flag comprises a contact wall configured to interface withthe cartridge.
 11. The sterilization system of claim 1, wherein thecarriage assembly further comprises a resilient member configured tourge the cartridge against the carriage body.
 12. The sterilizationsystem of claim 1, wherein the translating flag defines an aperture,wherein the sensor is positioned to be adjacent to the aperture when thetranslating flag is in the first position.
 13. The sterilization systemof claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a sensor body defining aU-shaped channel, wherein the sensor is located within the U-shapedchannel.
 14. The sterilization system of claim 1, wherein the carriageassembly further comprises a lead screw extending from the motor,wherein the lead screw associated with the carriage body, wherein themotor is configured to rotate the lead screw such that the lead screw isthereby operable to translate the carriage body.
 15. The sterilizationsystem of claim 1, wherein the motor comprises a stepper motor.
 16. Thesterilization system of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured toprovide electric braking through the motor.
 17. A sterilization systemcomprising: (a) a sterilization chamber configured to receive andsterilize at least one medical device; (b) a processor; and (c) asterilization module comprising: (i) a frame assembly comprising asensor in communication with the processor, (ii) an extraction assemblyin fluid communication with the sterilization chamber, wherein theextraction assembly is configured to extract a sterilant fluid from acartridge and transfer the sterilant fluid to the sterilization chamber,and (iii) a carriage assembly comprising: (A) a motor in communicationwith the processor, (B) a carriage body coupled with both the motor andthe frame assembly, wherein the carriage body is configured to receivethe cartridge, wherein the motor is configured to drive the carriagebody relative to the frame assembly, and (C) a translating flagconfigured to move from a first position to a second position relativeto the carriage body in response to the carriage body receiving thecartridge, wherein the sensor is configured to detect movement of thetranslating flag from the first position to the second position.
 18. Thesterilization system of claim 17, wherein the translating flag is biasedtoward the a first position.
 19. A sterilization system comprising: (a)a sterilization chamber configured to receive and sterilize at least onemedical device; (b) a processor; and (c) a sterilization modulecomprising: (i) a frame assembly comprising a sensor in communicationwith the processor, (ii) an extraction assembly in fluid communicationwith the sterilization chamber, wherein the extraction assembly isconfigured to extract a sterilant fluid from a cartridge and transferthe sterilant fluid to the sterilization chamber, and (iii) a carriageassembly comprising: (A) a motor in communication with the processor,(B) a carriage body coupled with the motor, wherein the carriage body isconfigured to receive the cartridge, and (C) a translating flagconfigured to move from a first position to a second position relativeto the carriage body in response to the carriage body receiving thecartridge, wherein the sensor is configured to detect movement of thetranslating flag from the first position to the second position, and (D)a spring connected to the translating flag and the carriage body,wherein the spring biases the translating flag to the first position.20. The sterilization system of claim 19, wherein the translating flagis slidably coupled to the carriage body.